An ode to the eternal mystery of the ones that go missing, by Nigel Planer

Lost Socks

I found out where lost socks go
They’re inside duvet covers
I found one there this morning
And I suspect that there’ll be others
I’d thrown away its counterpart
So it’s not a loss that bothers
But it might be something good to know
For those with secret lovers

From Travelling Light (Flapjack Press), out in June. Nigel Planer is an actor and writer known for Neil from The Young Ones, Nicholas Craig and more. He will be appearing at the Idler Festival.

This poem was published in Idler #109.

NIGEL PLANER AT THE IDLER FESTIVAL 2026

The Idler Festival 2026 takes place at Fenton House, 10-12 July

Nigel Planer will be appearing at the Idler Festival on Sunday 12 July.

The Idler Festival runs from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 July at Fenton House and Gardens in Hampstead, London NW3.

See who else is performing and buy tickets with our Festival poster here. Click on the performer’s name for details.

See you there!

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